Coastal erosion has always been a monster, claiming small islands, eradicating natural habitats for marine life, and disrupting communities and their livelihood for as long as can be remembered, but in Belize, the combined efforts of over 250 Placencia residents were able to defeat that monster through a joint conservation effort which was able to reclaim South Silk Caye.

Today, the small island which has been a major means of income for Placencia residents, as well as a recreation spot for locals, is a testament to the priceless, unmatched, and valiant efforts that Belizeans are willing to contribute towards the protection of what matters most to them. After two months of voluntary and arduous work, South Silk Caye is back to being intact and is now fully protected against the aggressive waves by a 135-foot, wall barricade. The barricade, made from huge slabs of stone, was secured into place manually by locals with the assistance of technical experts. On July 23^rd, amid the sweet sounds of Garifuna drumming, a short prayer, and a ceremony, South Silk Caye was officially reopened, thanks to the quick action of local environmental watchdogs.

While Belizeans and even visitors to Belize are proud of the successful conservation effort, our very own Marketing Manager at Chabil Mar, Larry France said that he, ‘’was personally pleased with how the community in Placencia came together to save Silk Caye.’’ France added that the level of support and commitment among the Placencia community is nothing short of inspiring and must be commended.

Two months ago, South Silk Caye, situated 22 miles east of Placencia Village, was thrust into the spotlight after local tour guide and fisherman Eworth Garbutt made a public plea for assistance from the local community to save Silk Caye which was disappearing fast. Like its siblings, Middle Silk Caye and North Silk Caye, which have already fallen victims to coastal erosion, the caye was also being swallowed up by the sea in huge chunks.

Garbutt eventually managed to convince stakeholders to take matters into their own hands and rebuild the caye, however that was later met by resistance by the Government who insisted that Garbutt and his team were in contravention of Regulations 15 (1) of the Fisheries Act, Revised Edition 2000. That particular regulation had stated that because the caye was located inside a marine reserve, it required approval from the Fisheries Department as well as an EIA by the Department of the Environment. At the time Garbutt was taken into custody but was later released without any charges. A meeting between him and government officials was able to figure out a plan of action on how the parties involved could work together for the greater good.

South Silk Caye can be found on the outer reef, straddled with coral formations, rich marine wildlife, and an amazing view. The Caye has been a major attraction for visitors and locals alike who would take the 1.5 hours boat ride to swim side by side with whale sharks, outside of the reef, and other marine animals, such as nurse sharks, rays, and sea turtles, that are known to hang around the island.

It’s Okay to Share the Secret: August in Placencia Belize is Amazing

What comes to mind when someone broaches the topic of August vacation? For most parents—-even those who won’t admit it aloud—-the opening of school is at the top of their list of reasons to celebrate. And August is getting a reputation for being one of the best months for a Belize destination wedding because brides and grooms favor June, September and October, so events can be staged at exotic venues without being interrupted by hordes of tourists.

Even the weather is delicious with daytime highs of 86-degrees F that drop to 78-degrees F at night. Of course, everything about your August vacation hangs on your destination, and in case you haven’t heard the rumors, Placencia is an ideal place to bring the kids, schedule a wedding or take advantage of low rates on everything. 

Because there are no crowds, you get your first choice of everything from lodgings and restaurant seatings to the rainbow of activities available to folks eager to get in a last taste of summer fun before Autumn rolls around. And since major international airlines recognize the uptick in Belize traffic during the month of August, their flight schedules remain frequent and you can find affordable rates, too. 

Placencia Village, Belize

August in Placencia offers an extraordinary variety of experiences. This lush peninsula has come out of the shadows to compete with Belize hot spots like Ambergris Caye, minus those crowds. It’s the ideal area for offshore diving, snorkeling, fishing and water sports, and award-winning resorts like Chabil Mar Villas sweeten their invitation every August by offering fantastic deals to northerners who are sad to watch summer fade into the sunset.

To make sure services and amenities are every bit as luxurious and welcoming in August as they are during Belize’s high season, staffers at Chabil Mar like to joke that summer visitors get extra pampering simply because reduced visitor numbers mean they are able give each guest the individual attention he or she deserves.

Whether you’re eager to grab a last summer hurrah on a shoestring, you’ve decided to get married now–before the bride’s mom goes off on a $10,000 spending spree for wedding arrangements–our your kids have earned a last fling before the school bell tolls, Chabil Mar in Placencia is the perfect way to end a perfect summer: with cash in your wallet and a low balance on your credit card!

It’s the healthiest place in Central America in addition to being so much fun. Visit Belize and discover why Science Daily proves that there’s a relationship between good health and the great outdoors.

University of East Anglia studies prove “that exposure to greenspace reduces the risk of type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, preterm birth, stress and high blood pressure.” This data was gathered from 290 million people across the globe, so this is no wimpy research study.

Why mention this? Because we all want to stay healthy so we don’t miss out on life’s adventures, many of which can be found only in Belize. Next time someone asks you why you chose Belize over other vacation spots, tell them that this nation offers endless opportunities to pursue healthy activities. Here are just a few of them!

Belize is more than a place: It’s a state of mind

-“Bathe” in Belize’s lush forests. No undressing required. In Japan, forest bathing is a ritual undertaken by people eager to enhance their physical and mental health.

-Bathe in the sun, too. Soak in vitamin D that helps you absorb calcium and lift your spirits. A daily dose of Belize sun can boost your immune system and soothe you, too.

-Discover Belize’s people and culture by biking or hiking. Picturesque towns filled with local color beckon visitors eager to walk and browse or bicycle around. Find out what it’s like to do both without dodging traffic.

-Partake of water sports that make Belize the recreational capital of the Caribbean. Kayak, swim, sail and enjoy the rush as your heart pumps, muscles react and adrenaline courses through your body.

-Find inspiration everywhere. From hundreds of ancient Maya ruins to breathtaking waterfalls, jungles and wildlife, Belize is a treat for the eye, body and soul. You will need extra batteries for your camera.

A haven on Belize’s Placencia peninsula

Where’s the best place to enjoy all of this largesse? Chabil Mar Villas, the resort that specializes in customized stays for folks who are healthy and active as well as those eager to rest and relax long enough to restore their energy levels.

This luxury resort, known for excellence in service, gorgeous environs and amenities that delight returning guests, must be seen to believed. You’re invited to take a visual tour right now.

This exercise in visualization will have to suffice until you can get to Placencia! Imagine yourself feeling happy and healthy at Chabil Mar where the weather is idyllic, the people are friendly and tours are so amazing, it’s impossible to see everything during a single holiday.

Sound like the ideal way to get your share of sun, fun and healthy vacationing? Contact the Reservations Team at reservations@chabilmarvillas.com or use the toll-free number to do so: 1-866-417-2377 to learn more about Belize. Everything you crave awaits in Placencia Belize where Mother Nature reigns supreme and Chabil Mar staff looks forward to taking care of you.

Dеvаnѕhі Каѕаnа, a Ph.D. candidate with Florida International University, and her colleagues have recently had a freak encounter with a Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) in the middle of the Belize Barrier Reef. Notably, this is the first time that anyone has encountered a Greenland shark within the Western Caribbean.

The creature’s body length was somewhere between 10 to 11 feet long and it was specifically discovered within Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve. This particular species belongs to the “sleeper” family of sharks, a family commonly encountered within the chilly depths of the Arctic and North Atlantic Oceans, and is a bulky creature with a round snout, undersized fins, and a grayish-brown coloring. The Greenland shark is believed to be the oldest living vertebrate in recorded science, known to live in excess of 400 years, and primary feasts on prey like polar bear carcasses. Kasana’s party encountered the Greenland shark while working with local fishermen to tag tiger sharks.

The circumstances of this discovery involved a lengthy nocturnal fishing session that saw the weather worsen as the sun began to rise. During one final check on their equipment, one of the lines revealed a sluggish-moving non-tiger shark. Some compared the discovery to something akin to an animate, long smooth stone. After analyzing the sea creature’s other characteristics, the collective narrowed things down and surmised it to be a sleeper shark of some variety. Upon considering the shark’s specific characteristics, consensus hovered around the beast being either a genuine Greenland shark or a hybrid between Greenland and a Pacific sleeper shark (Somniosus pacificus).

The waters where the shark was discovered get quite deep, plummeting to a range as deep as 9,500 feet, making it cold enough for a Greenland shark to endure. Chapman has been leading shark tracking projections within Glover’s Reef for nearly 20 years and his data has been shared with a collaborative effort with the Belizean government, shark fishers, scientists, and other relevant groups; their efforts have helped to improve protections and prohibitions related to shark fishing within two miles of any Belizean atoll.

If you would like your own chance to discover just how wild and varied the world’s marine life can be, consider coming to Belize. Chabil Mar is one of the leading resorts in the country, especially as it offers tours of the Belize Barrier Reef, the penultimate largest barrier reef on the planet.

Visit Chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call US/CAN Toll-Free: 1-866-417-2377, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.

September has replaced June as the most popular month for weddings, which means anniversaries make great excuses to travel south during this month. September birthday holidays coincide with kids returning to school, so it’s the ideal month for parents to get a babysitter and escape. Besides, low-season perks make September an ideal month to visit thanks to the absence of crowds, a mellower vibe, and seasonal cost savings at Chabil Mar Villas, located on the Placencia Peninsula. 

What to do at Chabil Mar this September? The list is endless!

• September 5th is Labor Day in the USA. Citizens get a break from work back home. You are invited to stay active. The resort’s menus offer sea-focused options and inland adventures.
• Bring the book you’ve been trying to read along and indulge in every page since September 6th is Read a Book Day. There are lots of comfy lounges situated around either of Chabil Mar’s two infinity pools, one of which can help you achieve your goal of finishing that book.
• September 8th is National Grandparents Day. If you’re a grandparent, show your kids and grands that you’re no lounge lizard. Take advantage of Chabil Mar’s kayaks, paddleboards, and bicycle inventory. If you’re not a grandparent, bike into Placencia Village and pick up an appropriate gift for yours.
• On September 10th, join the national St. Georges Caye Day celebration that marks the occasion of a consortium of British Settlers, buccaneers, and slaves who came together to kick Spanish interlopers out of the country on this day in 1798. Don’t miss a minute of the fireworks, parades, cultural events, and festivities. 
• If you didn’t get enough excitement during your St. Georges Caye Day celebration, bust a bunch of moves on National Dance Day on September 18th. Check with your Chabil Mar host about a visit to Seine Bight, an epicenter of Garifuna music and dancing. You could even learn to play the drum if the spirit moves you.
• Once under the thumb of the U.K., British Honduras officially became Belize on September 21, 1981. Independence Day is a non-stop party that goes day and night. You can watch all the jubilation as a spectator, or jump into parades, dance with costumed celebrants, soak in the music, and take part in every entertainment. 

Make September the month you save on your Belize Beach Vacation

While the month of September offers you no shortage of excuses to celebrate in Belize, guests taking advantage of a current Chabil Mar special may want to be one of the lucky tourists snagging a money-saving special that salutes the end of the summer season and can help you stick around longer without spending an extra penny. 

Vacation at Chabil Mar for 5 nights, but only pay for 4. Stick around for 7 nights and pay for only 5 of them. Act expeditiously. Word of this extended stay offer is spreading, so you’ll want to book right now. Bring your party hat. It’s not mandatory but why not go all out during your September escape?

Visit our website for more information on Belize, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call US/CAN Toll-Free: 1-866-417-2377, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.